​New CT Scanner Arrives To Hospital - Hospital Watch

​New CT Scanner Arrives To Hospital

A new CT Scanner has been delivered to Portiuncula University Hospital and will be commissioned  and installed in the coming weeks.
This represents great investment in our local hospital which employs over 800 staff and is a great step forward to improve patient experience but more importantly to maintain the high-quality standards of diagnoses.

The machine replaces the one fundraised by the local community for the hospital when owned by the FMDM Nuns.
Chair of M.D.C. Cllr Parsons has stated “I’m delighted the replacement CT scanner has arrived, for the many patients from a wide catchment of over 400,000 attending Portiuncula University Hospital and for staff who will have new and reliable equipment to help diagnose and clinically manage patients in our area. It is a state of the art 128 Slice Siemens CT Scanner and I understand that it’s expected to be up and running in October.”

According to the INMO trolley watch there was no patients waiting on trolleys or in wards on the in mid September for the first time in months which is testament to all the hard-working staff.

Recently the outpatient’s department has re-located as part of building works to provide improved facilities. This work will result in reduced capacity in the outpatient waiting area. Only patients who require assistance should be accompanied. Hospital Manager James Keane say’s the new works are A Medication Safety Initiative has been launched . David Walsh, Chief II Pharmacist in PUH said; “Improving communications about medicines is so important to reduce harm and misuse, on World Patient Safety Day we want to encourage our patients to play an active role in managing their medication. “Know, Check, Ask” simply means, know what medications you are taking by keeping a list; check with your healthcare professional to see if you are using them correctly and ask if you are
unsure.”

The Hospital also re-launched the protected mealtimes. During the protected mealtimes all non- urgent work in the wards will stop. This enables staff to assist patients with their meals. Visiting is restricted unless prior arrangements is made with the nursing staff to assist with feeding.

Another scheme that they have started is “This is me” to help patients with dementia. Its aim is to enhance patients experience at the hospital. Developed by the Occupational Therapy and Medical Social Work Departments it includes a dementia resource pack which has been designed to empower patients and families to make effective decisions and choices regarding their future care.

Finally during heritage week, Emma Laffey a member of the maternity unit, released an ebook called “An Bhean Ghlúine’. It is about the work of local midwifes during the 20 th Century. She said ““My project introduces the amazing work and lives of our local community midwives during the 20th century through photographs, stories, recorded interviews and film. These remarkable women supported our local women through one of the biggest life-changing events for any woman, from being pregnant to giving birth. Although a birth is generally a very happy occasion, it can also be  tainted by poverty, sickness, miscarriage, mental health issues, life-changing disabilities and even death.”

Know - Check - Ask - Portiuncula Hospital